FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Bumping up here, after some time AFK. So, it seems SST-20 are a real thing? :)

Can someone can help me find the post stating pricing, variants, codes, whatever info on them?

I got my SST-20 from Neal: FW3A
Make sure to use the 20% off code at the top of the page. Also I would recommend paying the little extra for the better shipping unless you don’t mind waiting possibly weeks. I got a green glow gasket too which Neal put on for me, it’s a great addition.

Those glow gaskets are pretty great. :slight_smile:

I just received my 3 SST-20 FW3A’s! The switches all feel great! Everything looks perfect. Now to find some batteries.

BTW, these shipped on 7/16, and I received them today, 7/18, in NC.

Did you get expedited shipping?? That’s really fast, mine shipped on 7/17 and I’m in ATL.

I didn’t. It arrived surprisingly fast.

Well damn, I got regular shipping too. Hopefully the next few days it shows up.

I saw those on Neal’s site but i’m unsure how they fit…
Do you need to file the optic of something? Is it just a drop-in?

Nope, it just goes under the optics.

photo from Neal’s site

:frowning:

I have 3 FW3As and 1 FW3C. None of them have squeaky buttons. However, the switches don’t all feel the same:

  • FW3A #1: Requires firmer button press than any of the other lights and does not have a loud click. (click is still noticeable, just not loud).
  • FW3A #2: Loud clicking sound when button is pressed. Feels good to press, but is not quiet.
  • FW3A #3: First run SST-20 version. Too much material on bottom of tailcap above the switch. Result is switch button isn’t able to fully extend. Soft click with minimal pressure needed to depress the button. I found this unacceptable as risk of accidental activation was too great so ended up modding the switch.
  • FW3C: Feels like #2, but not quite as loud.

I found all of the switches to be quite acceptable as-is, except for #3.

I opened it up, removed a stray piece of plastic from the tail threads(!), recentered the rubber part under the metal switch, and tightened it back up very tight. Seems a bit better now, not as good as first run, but acceptable. I was also able to get the first run switch to metal squeak by pressing on the edge of it.

Got a shipping notice on the 15th. Tracking shows label made , awaiting item in California.
So who knows? Could be anywhere.

I tried a UCL 22.61mm x 1.90mm lens on my FW3A, and was disappointed to find that it created a slight gap between the bezel and the rest of the head. With the original lens, the fit is so good that the head appears as one piece.

Maybe I’ll try the sapphire lens that Neal sells or TK’s method of polishing the coating off of the original.

Oups… I didn’t realize they’re $15 a pop! Almost half the FW3A price. :frowning:

Use HTPGLOW coupon code :slight_smile:

Personally I think this light is worth more than we are paying for it, so I didn’t mind paying for the glow gasket. I generally view the value in something as how much enjoyment and use I will get out of it, not what I paid. So $15 didn’t seem much to make it more enjoyable and useful.

But what about a sweet $600 skull clip. I’ll pay $700 if someone can put red trits in the eyes

:person_facepalming: LOL

I have seen people that go to extremes like that and more power to them if they can afford it. Although I’m not gonna lie, I would probably pay a decent bit to get a clip that would allow for deeper carry. In this case I think the gasket is fairly priced and adds a fair bit of functionality that is nice. Unlike my last light I would keep out at night I can find this one without making a loud thud when I knock it over trying to find it.

I was part of the initial group buy and must have got super lucky with first run FW3A (technically second batch I guess as I got a manual). XPL-HI 3D, neutral, very slightly rosy, no green, perfect switch. Not everyone seems to have been as lucky and makes me worried for my next order when the funky colours come out.